Why you should care about Bioavailability
When it comes to supplements, vitamins, and functional foods, one key concept often overlooked is bioavailability—how effectively a nutrient is absorbed and used by the body. You might be consuming a well-marketed supplement, but is it actually doing what it promises? That depends largely on how bioavailable it is.
What Is Bioavailability?
Bioavailability refers to the proportion of a nutrient that enters the bloodstream and is available for use or storage in the body. Just because you're ingesting a vitamin or mineral doesn't mean your body is absorbing it efficiently. Many nutrients get lost along the digestive tract, destroyed by stomach acids, or poorly absorbed due to individual health factors.
For example, intravenous vitamins are 100% bioavailable because they bypass the digestive system entirely and go straight into the bloodstream. However, even then, there’s no guarantee they’ll reach the targeted cells or tissues unless the body can properly direct and utilize them.
Are the supplements you’re taking reaching their intended destination.
Why It Matters for Your Supplements
The real question is: Are the supplements you’re taking reaching their intended destination—or are you just flushing money down the drain?
The answer varies based on several factors:
Your metabolism
Gut health and inflammation
Interactions with other nutrients
The form of the supplement itself
Let’s take magnesium as an example. Magnesium citrate is generally more bioavailable than magnesium sulfate. Another example is Vitamin D, which is fat-soluble and should be taken with a meal containing healthy fats to optimize absorption. Similarly, calcium and iron should not be taken together, as calcium can inhibit iron absorption. On the other hand, Vitamin C can enhance iron absorption when taken simultaneously.
How to Choose High-Bioavailability Supplements
When selecting a supplement, protein powder, smoothie mix, or adaptogen blend, pay attention to more than just the packaging. Here’s what to look for:
Are the ingredients in highly absorbable forms?
Are the vitamins and minerals paired correctly for optimal synergy?
Are there clear instructions to support absorption (e.g., take with food or separately)?
By prioritizing bioavailable supplements, you not only support better health outcomes but also ensure you’re getting real value for your money.
Final Thoughts
Now that you understand the importance of bioavailability, make it a priority in your wellness routine. Whether you're choosing a superfood smoothie, a daily multivitamin, or a functional latte blend, check the label and formulation. Your body—and your wallet—will thank you.
Try them out and let us know. Are you feeling the difference?
